Resistance to diagonal tension cracking of single span prestressed girders

Abstract

In the Netherlands, existing bridges are being assessed to investigate whether they are still capable to resist current and future traffic loads. Bridges that are compiled of single span prestressed girders, appear to have insufficient resistance to diagonal tension cracking. This concerns bridges that do not contain sufficient stirrups. Consequently, diagonal tension cracking could result in an abrupt brittle failure. However, the assessments are performed using the Eurocode model and there is doubt about its accuracy. In this research the accuracy of the Eurocode model is determined by comparing predicted resistances with experimentally found resistances. Moreover the stress distribution according to the Eurocode model is compared with the stress distribution of a linear elastic finite element analysis. Based on the comparison, an alternative model is suggested, that predicts the resistance to diagonal tension cracking more accurately.